The Future Census Independent Evaluation Panel has presented its initial recommendations on the approach to the next census.
Stats NZ is now working through the recommendations as it explores options for increasing the use of administrative data, supplemented by surveying and tailored data collection approaches, to deliver the census from 2028 and beyond.
"The panel's recommendations mark a milestone for the design and development of census in Aotearoa New Zealand," says Government Statistician and Stats NZ Chief Executive Mark Sowden.
"I thank the panel for their time, diverse perspectives, expertise, and wise counsel," says Sowden.
"We will continue to work with the panel in the coming months as we further refine our approach."
The panel, brought together by the Government Statistician in July 2024, was chaired by Dr Jonathan Godfrey ONZM, National President - Blind Citizens NZ and Senior Lecturer in Statistics - Massey University.
Other panel members were:
- Geoff Bowlby, Assistant Chief Statistician - Statistics Canada
- Grace Campbell-Macdonald, Director Regulatory and Advisory - National Cyber Security Centre
- Dr Jesse Whitehead, Senior Research Fellow - Te Ngira Institute for Population Research, University of Waikato
- Malaetogia Jacinta Fa'alili-Fidow, Director Strategy - Moana Connect
- Moira Clunie MNZM (Te Rarawa), Project Lead - Te Ngākau Kahukura
- Ngapera Riley, Chief Executive Officer - Figure.NZ
- Philippa Howden-Chapman CNZM QSO, Professor of Public Health - University of Otago
- Russell Craig, Independent Data and Digital Technology Expert Advisor
- Tanya Albert, Lead Data Analyst - Ngāti Rangi
Future Census Independent Evaluation Panel membership provides more information about the panel members.
"The different perspectives brought to the evaluation by the 10 panel members fed some very interesting discussions which in the end proved to us that the current way we do census is not fit for the future data needs of New Zealand," said Panel Chair Dr Jonathan Godfrey.
"In the long run, a full enumeration census that relies on everyone completing the same census form once every five years cannot deliver everything government or priority populations require. The panel weighed up the need for change against the readiness and willingness to make change, without forgetting the need for acceptance by the public for any changes made," says Godfrey.
The next steps
The Government Statistician and Stats NZ Chief Executive Mark Sowden will take an in-principle decision on how the census is conducted in 2028 and beyond, which will then progress to Cabinet for consideration.
While Stats NZ initially expected to have an in-principle decision in August, work continues.
"We understand public interest in the future of census is extremely high, and Aotearoa New Zealand is eager to know more," says Sowden.
"It's an important decision requiring complex assessment and analysis to make sure census delivers data that improves lives today and for generations to come."
There will be a public announcement and release of the key decision documents including the Future Census Evaluation Panel's recommendations following Cabinet consideration of the Government Statistician's in-principle decision. The timing of this is yet to be confirmed.
To keep up-to-date on the future of census in Aotearoa New Zealand, visit www.stats.govt.nz/census/future-census.
